Integrating Air Quality and Climate Change Strategies in Oman

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Integrating Air Quality and Climate Change Strategies in Oman Integrating air quality and climate change strategies in Oman Jehad Jabr Nasser Albusaidi Doctor of Philosophy University of York Environment September 2019 This thesis is dedicated to my lovely family: my husband Khalid and my children, Tasneem, Elaf, Alwaleed, and Ahmed, for the beauty they bring to my life. For my Oman and its prosperous future. 2 Abstract: Air pollution and climate change are two of the main environmental problems being faced at the moment across the globe and both have a major and costly impact on human health. Oman needs to avoid the negative scenario which could result, and this can best be done by the integration of air quality control and climate change mitigation strategies. This integration would improve air quality and meet climate goals and would be cost-effective as well as beneficial. This thesis investigates the potential for integrated climate and air quality strategies in Oman, and incorporates the mitigation of SLCPs, a group of pollutants that has not yet been considered in the country. The implications of the mitigation strategies on human health and the climate are analysed and the current air quality and climate change policies are examined. The thesis also develops the first emission inventory to be based on national data for the country, using the data for 2010; it presents Oman’s emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, non-methane volatile organic compounds, ammonia, particulate matter, black carbon and organic carbon. The emission inventory estimated total emissions of CO2 of 50 Mt, CH4 of 565 kt, SO2 of 160 kt, NMVOCs of 142 kt, NOx of 137 kt, primary PM2.5 of 61 kt, CO of 51 kt, NH3 of 18 kt, BC of 4 kt, and OC of 0.9 kt. The main sources of pollution in 2010 were emissions from electricity generation, oil and gas extraction, road transport and the manufacturing industry. Twelve emission scenarios are developed and analysed in this thesis: the Business As Usual (BAU) scenario and eleven mitigation scenarios. The mitigation scenarios are as follows: the renewable energy scenario and the zero coal scenario, both for the electricity generation sector the fugitive reduction scenario and the zero flaring scenario, both for the oil and gas sector the efficient industry scenario and the clean fuel scenario in the manufacturing industry the electric vehicle scenario, public transport scenario and paved road scenario for the road transport sector the efficient air conditioning scenario for the residential sector and the efficient air conditioning scenario for commercial and public services. If all the measures covered in all these scenarios were implemented, this thesis estimates that 191 Mt of CO2 would be avoided in 2050, as well as 840 kt of CH4, 144 kt of a SO2, 92 kt of NMVOCs, 211 kt of NOx, 34 kt of primary PM2.5 emissions, 81 kt of CO, 3 kt of NH3, 3 t of BC, and 3 t of OC. This thesis has estimated that in 2010, approximately 711 cases of premature death in Oman could be attributed to PM2.5; this figure would rise to 1810 cases in 2030, and to more than 3 4400 cases in 2050, according to the BAU scenario. Soil dust is the largest source of PM2.5 in all years, but the other main sources contributing to it are transport (81%), industrial process emissions (10%), and the oil and gas industry (5%). This thesis confirms the urgent need to develop an integrated air quality and climate change policy. This thesis also assesses the current legal framework that could be used to reduce emissions in Oman. Current policy was examined to understand the level of effort being made to reduce air pollution, SLCPs and GHGs. Despite public concern in Oman over these issues, especially climate change, little action has so far been taken to reduce emissions. Semi-structured interviews were held with representatives of government, industry, NGOs, media and the judiciary. From the interviews it was clear that the level of interest among the different sectors of the Omani establishment does not reflect – and is indeed much lower than - the level of concern felt by the public about these issues. This is shown by the lack of ambitious targets in Oman’s NDC and by the low level of attention paid to air pollution. This thesis shows that unless action is taken, the impact of air pollution will get worse, not only because of increasing pollution but also because of an aging and growing population. The measures in the different scenarios developed could lead to a 60% reduction in CO2 and a 33% reduction in methane, and also greatly reduce the negative impact on health. The analysis has also shown that this could lead to a net reduction of 7 % in warming by 2050, and offset the released warming from reducing SO2 and NOx emissions to protect human health. For this to happen, the current legislative framework could be used, but a positive outcome will depend on two key factors. First, all stakeholders need to become far more aware of the issues involved, as at present these are not widely understood; and second, there is need for further policy development and legislation and also for investment in capacity and infrastructure. 4 Table of Contents Abstract: ............................................................................................................................. 3 List of Tables: .................................................................................................................... 11 List of Figures: ................................................................................................................... 15 Acronyms: ......................................................................................................................... 22 Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................... 24 Author's declaration .......................................................................................................... 25 1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 26 1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 26 1.2 Air pollution: ......................................................................................................... 28 1.2.1 Global health impacts ......................................................................................................... 29 1.2.1 Air pollution and health in Oman and the GCC region ....................................................... 30 1.2.1.1 Outdoor air Pollution - Ambient particulate matter (PM) ........................................ 33 1.2.1.2 Indoor Air Pollution ................................................................................................... 39 1.2.1.3 Ozone ........................................................................................................................ 42 1.2.2 Main sources of air pollution in the region ........................................................................ 44 1.3 Climate change: .................................................................................................... 45 1.3.1 GHG emissions inventory in Oman and the GCC region: ................................................... 46 1.3.2 Weather extremes .............................................................................................................. 50 1.3.3 Heatwaves .......................................................................................................................... 54 1.3.4 Global warming: ................................................................................................................. 56 1.4 Short Lived Climate Pollutants: .............................................................................. 58 1.5 Integration of air quality and climate policy: .......................................................... 63 1.6 Research gap:........................................................................................................ 64 1.7 Motivation: ........................................................................................................... 66 1.8 Approach: ............................................................................................................. 67 References ........................................................................................................................ 69 2 Estimating current and historic emissions in Oman ..................................................... 83 2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 83 2.2 Emission Inventory ................................................................................................ 83 2.3 Methodology for estimating emissions in Oman: ................................................... 84 2.3.1 Estimating emissions using LEAP-IBC: ................................................................................ 84 2.3.2 LEAP-IBC Structure: ............................................................................................................ 85 2.3.2.1 Analysis and Results Modes: ..................................................................................... 86 2.3.2.2 Key Assumptions: ...................................................................................................... 86 2.3.2.3 Demand....................................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Environmental Mitigation Plan During Rehabilitation and Operation Phases
    Roads and Employment Project Environmental and Social Management Plan Nabatiye Caza Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Final Associated Consulting Engineers 1|P a g e Roads and Employment Project Environmental and Social Management Plan Nabatiye Caza TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................2 List of Tables ..........................................................................................................................6 List of Figures .........................................................................................................................8 List of Acronyms ....................................................................................................................9 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY ............................................................. 11 22 ................................................................................................... ملخص تنفيذي - موجز غير تقني 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 30 1.1 Project Background ............................................................................................... 30 1.2 Project Rationale ................................................................................................... 30 1.3 Report Objectives .................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce Belt and Road Countries Investment Index Report 2018 1 Foreword
    Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce Belt and Road Countries Investment Index Report 2018 1 Foreword 2018 marked the fifth year since International Import Exposition Municipal Commission of Commerce, President Xi Jinping first put forward (CIIE), China has deepened its ties releasing the Belt and Road Country the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The with partners about the globe in Investment Index Report series Initiative has transformed from a trade and economic development. to provide a rigorous framework strategic vision into practical action President Xi Jinping has reiterated at for evaluating the attractiveness during these remarkable five years. these events that countries should of investing in each BRI country. enhance cooperation to jointly build Based on extensive data collection There have been an increasing a community of common destiny and in-depth analysis, we evaluated number of participating countries for all mankind , and the Belt and BRI countries' (including key and expanding global cooperation Road Initiative is critical to realizing African nations) macroeconomic under the BRI framework, along with this grand vision. It will take joint attractiveness and risks, and identified China's growing global influence. By efforts and mutual understanding to key industries with high growth the end of 2018, China had signed overcome the challenges ahead. potential, to help Chinese enterprises BRI cooperation agreements with better understand each jurisdiction's 122 countries and 29 international Chinese investors face risks in the investment environment. organizations. According to the Big BRI countries, most of which are Data Report of the Belt and Road developing nations with relatively The Belt and Road Country (2018) published by the National underdeveloped transportation and Investment Index Report 2017 Information Center, public opinion telecommunication infrastructures.
    [Show full text]
  • Oases of Oman Livelihood Systems at the Crossroads
    oases of oman livelihood systems at the crossroads Second EXPANDED edition AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING HOUSE MUSCAT sponsored by University of agriculture, faisalabad, Pakistan The front cover of this volume shows the main terrace system of the 3,000 year old oasis of Biladsayt in the northern Al Hajar mountain range and the back page variation in irrigated wheat planting as a farmer strategy to cope with year-specific water availability during 2003, 2006 and 2007 in the agro-pastoral oasis of Maqta in the eastern Jabal Bani Jabir range of Oman. Al Roya Press & Publishing House P. O. Box 343, Postal Code 118, Al Harthy Complex, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Tel: (968) 24 47 98 81/882/883/884/885/886/887/888, Fax: (968) 24 47 98 89 E-mail: [email protected] www.alroya.net © Compilation: Andreas Buerkert and Eva Schlecht © Individual texts: Named authors Publisher: Hatim Al Taie Editors: Andreas Buerkert and Eva Schlecht In-house Editor: Helen Kirkbride Dr. Muhammad Jalal Arif, Principal Officer Public Relations & Publications (PRP) Dept. University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan Design & Production: Dhian Chand Mumtaz Ali Officer Incharge, University Press University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan Printed by: University Press University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan Second Published: November 2010 ISBN: 978-969-8237-51-6 Note: Data and literature complementing the information collected in this book can be accessed on the internet at: http://www.oases-of-oman.org contents Foreword 5 Authors 6 Introduction 7 Chapter 1 8
    [Show full text]
  • Tshipi Borwa Manganese Mine Environmental Management Plan Amendment: Air Quality Specialist Opinion As Part of the Environmental Management Program
    Tshipi Borwa Manganese Mine Environmental Management Plan Amendment: Air Quality Specialist Opinion as part of the Environmental Management Program Project done on behalf of SLR Consulting (Africa)(Pty) Ltd Project Compiled by H Liebenberg-Enslin Report No: 16SLR08 | Date: June 2017 Address: 480 Smuts Drive, Halfway Gardens | Postal: P O Box 5260, Halfway House, 1685 Tel: +27 (0)11 805 1940 | Fax: +27 (0)11 805 7010 www.airshed.co.za Report Details Report number 16SLR08 Status Final Tshipi Borwa Manganese Mine Environmental Management Plan Amendment: Air Quality Report Title Specialist Opinion as part of the Environmental Management Program Date July 2017 Client SLR Consulting (Africa)(Pty) Ltd Prepared by Hanlie Liebenberg-Enslin, PhD (University of Johannesburg) Airshed Planning Professionals (Pty) Ltd is a consulting company located in Midrand, South Africa, specialising in all aspects of air quality, ranging from nearby neighbourhood concerns to Notice regional air pollution impacts as well as noise impact assessments. The company originated in 1990 as Environmental Management Services, which amalgamated with its sister company, Matrix Environmental Consultants, in 2003. Airshed is an independent consulting firm with no interest in the project other than to fulfil the Declaration contract between the client and the consultant for delivery of specialised services as stipulated in the terms of reference. Unless otherwise noted, the copyright in all text and other matter (including the manner of presentation) is the exclusive property of Airshed Planning Professionals (Pty) Ltd. It is a Copyright Warning criminal offence to reproduce and/or use, without written consent, any matter, technical procedure and/or technique contained in this document.
    [Show full text]
  • Congress Participants
    CONGRESS PARTICIPANTS "COMPAGNIA TRASPORTI LAZIALI" SOCIETÀ REGIONALE S.P. A. Italy 9292 - REISINFORMATIEGROEP B.V. Netherlands AB STORSTOCKHOLMS LOKALTRAFIK - STOCKHOLM PUBLIC TRANSPORT Sweden AB VOLVO Sweden ABB SCHWEIZ AG Switzerland ABG LOGISTICS Nigeria ABU DHABI DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT United Arab Emirates ACCENTURE Germany ACCENTURE Finland ACCENTURE Canada ACCENTURE Singapore ACCENTURE BRAZIL Brazil ACCENTURE BRISBANE Australia ACCENTURE SAS France ACTIA AUTOMOTIVE France ACTV SOCIETÀ PER AZIONI Italy ADDAX- ASSESORIA FINANCEIRA Brazil ADNKRONOS Italy ADV SPAZIO SRL Italy AESYS - RWH INTL. LTD Germany AGENCE BELGA Belgium AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE France AGENCE METROPOLITAINE DE TRANSPORT Canada AGENZIA CAMPANA PER LA MOBILITÀ SOSTENIBILE Italy AGENZIA ESTE NEWS Italy AGENZIA MOBILITA E AMBIENTE E TERRITORIO S.R.L. Italy AGENZIA PER LA MOBILITÀ ED IL TRASPORTO PUBBLICO LOCALE DI MODENA S.P.A. Italy AGETRANSP Brazil AIT AUSTRIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GMBH Austria AJUNTAMENT DE BARCELONA Spain AKERSHUS FYLKESKOMMUNE - AKERSHUS COUNTY COUNCIL Norway AL AHRAME Egypt AL FAHIM United Arab Emirates AL FUTTAIM MOTORS United Arab Emirates AL RAI MEDIA GROUP-AL RAI NEWSPAPER Kuwait ALBERT - LUDWIGS - UNIVERSITÄT FREIBURG INSTITUT FÜR VERKEHRSWISSENSCH Germany ALCOA WHEEL AND TRANSPORTATION PRODUCTS Hungary ALEXANDER DENNIS LIMITED United Kingdom ALEXANDER DENNIS Ltd United Kingdom ALLINNOVE Canada ALMATY METRO Kazakhstan ALMATYELECTROTRANS Kazakhstan ALMAVIVA SPA Italy ALSTOM France ALSTOM MAROC S.A. Morocco AMBIENTE EUROPA Italy AMERICAN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION USA ANDHRA PRADESH STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION India APAM ESERCIZIO S.P.A. Italy ARAB UNION OF LAND TRANSPORT Jordan AREA METROPOLITANA DE BARCELONA Spain AREP VILLE France ARIA TRANSPORT SERVICES USA ARRIVA (ESSA ALDOSARI) United Arab Emirates ARRIVA ITALIA S.R.L.
    [Show full text]
  • Study on Renewable Energy Resources, Oman: Final Report
    Authority for Electricity Regulation, Oman Study on Renewable Energy Resources, Oman Final Report May 2008 Renewable Energy Resources in Oman Authority for Electricity Regulation, Oman Study on Renewable Energy Resources, Oman Final Report May 2008 COWI and Partners LLC P.O.Box 2115 RUWI Postal Code 112 Sultanate of Oman Tel +968 2460 4200 Fax +968 2460 4788 Report no. 66847-1-1 This report contains the views of the Consultant which do not Issue no. Rev. 0 necessarily correspond to the views of the Authority for Electric- Date of issue 12.05.2008 ity Regulation, Oman. Prepared SEM/NBP/KF/SAJ Checked JHA/DEM Approved SAJ . Page 3 of 134 Renewable Energy Resources in Oman . Page 4 of 134 Renewable Energy Resources in Oman Table of Contents 1 Introduction 8 1.1 Background to the Study 8 1.2 Study Methodology 9 1.3 Collection of data and information 9 1.4 Report Structure 10 1.5 Acknowledgements 10 1.6 Abbreviations and conversion factors 11 2 Executive Summary 13 2.1 Purpose of the Study 13 2.2 Conclusions 14 2.3 Recommendations 24 3 Key information for Oman 31 3.1 Demography 31 3.2 Industry 31 3.3 Electricity sector in Oman 36 3.4 Renewable energy activities in Oman 48 3.5 Conventional energy resources in Oman 48 4 Renewable energy resources in Oman 53 4.1 Wind energy 54 4.2 Solar energy 57 4.3 Biogas 60 4.4 Wave energy 63 4.5 Geothermal energy 64 5 Renewable energy technologies 67 5.1 Wind turbines 67 5.2 Solar PV panels and heaters 72 5.3 Biogas production 83 5.4 Wave energy absorption units 85 5.5 Geothermal power plants 88 5.6 Non energy benefits 90 5.7 Energy efficiency 91 .
    [Show full text]
  • Enchanting Oman: Wadi Shab
    al manhal A magazine exploring the oil and gas industry A fount of knowledge Issue two 2014 Enchanting Oman: Wadi Shab 02 10 12 Solar renewable Omani jobs A day in the energy: past, for skilled Omani life of... present and future workers “In a time of increasing importance of the role of media in contemporary life of communities and peoples, it is necessary to work on the development of Omani media, to lead message in the development of the capacity citizen and awareness in turn in the building and his country, and also it contributes to the consolidation of the relations of friendship and cooperation with the international community” His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Dear Readers, Welcome to issue two of al manhal for 2014. As ever, we have a range of features which we hope will enrich your knowledge about Oman’s oil and gas industry and the important role PDO plays within it. Production Manager a brand new feature series – My Oman – that celebrates the Karima al Shahaibi incomparableTurn to the beauty centre of ourpages country. and you’ll This colourfulalso find addition the first to ofal manhal is produced in association with PDO employee and keen Graphic Design Mohammed al Mahrazi natural wonder to be captured by his lens. photographer Mohammed al Mahrazy, with Wadi Shab the first Design Consultants Our main industry topic this issue looks at the potential for solar United Media Services LLC renewable energy to power the oil and gas sector, spotlighting the successful launch of PDO’s solar steam generation pilot at Amal Translation & Editing and revealing plans for an exciting new solar power project.
    [Show full text]
  • Renewable Energy 2021
    Renewable Energy 2021 A practical cross-border insight into renewable energy law First Edition Featuring contributions from: Bracewell (UK) LLP Gómez-Acebo & Pombo Abogados POSSER SPIETH WOLFERS & PARTNERS Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc (CDH) Gonzalez Calvillo The Law Firm of Wael A. Alissa in Dentons & Co. Jones Day association with Dentons & Co. Doulah & Doulah Mazghouny & Co UMBRA – Strategic Legal Solutions DS Avocats Nishimura & Asahi Wintertons European Investment Bank Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP ISBN 978-1-83918-069-9 ISSN 2634-4300 Published by 59 Tanner Street London SE1 3PL United Kingdom Renewable Energy 2021 +44 207 367 0720 [email protected] www.iclg.com First Edition Consulting Group Publisher Rory Smith Publisher Blanca Alza Reguera Sub Editor Contributing Editor: Matthew Day Mhairi Main Garcia Senior Editor Sam Friend Dentons & Co. Head of Production Suzie Levy Chief Media Officer Fraser Allan CEO Jason Byles Printed by Ashford Colour Press Ltd. Cover image www.istockphoto.com ©2020 Global Legal Group Limited. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction by any means, Strategic Partners digital or analogue, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden. Disclaimer This publication is for general information purposes only. It does not purport to provide comprehen- sive full legal or other advice. Global Legal Group Ltd. and the contributors accept no responsibility for losses that may arise from reliance upon information contained in this publication. This publication is intended to give an indication of legal issues upon which you may need advice. Full legal advice should be taken from a qualified professional when dealing with specific situations. Table of Contents Expert Chapters Renewable Energy Fuelling a Green Recovery 1 Mhairi Main Garcia, Dentons & Co.
    [Show full text]
  • Ineco.Com 50 Feb | May 2014
    ENGLISH itransporte EDITION Transport engineering&consultancy magazine www.ineco.com 50 FEB | MAY 2014 INTERVIEW José Manuel Tejera, Managing Director of Infrastructures and Transport (Ineco) “We need to better understand our clients” NATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT PLAN OF NEPAL A plan to reach for the sky COMMUTER RAIL SYSTEM FOR SAN JOSÉ (COSTA RICA) Tram-train: the best of both worlds TRANSEUROPEAN CORRIDORS (TEN-T) IN CROATIA Welcome, EU member state number 28 2013 BENTLEY SYSTEMS AWARDS HS2: a brilliant inspiration BRAND SPAIN | Gastronomy: a taste of Spain Editorial European GNSS Agency neco brings together experts in the fields of civil engineering, systems Committed to ensuring the success and security engineering, consultancy and the environment. More than 2,000 experts in of the European Satellite Navigation Systems, Galileo and EGNOS transport systems comprise a highly skilled and committed pool of well-trained human capital. These experts are coordinated with the rest of the company through a matrix organisation. Our goal is for each project to satisfy the technical and financial expectations of the client. Road EGNOS is improving the accuracy of the GPS while also It is my pleasure to write this editorial for the 50th issue of our magazine. This providing an integrity signal. Along with Galileo, it is expected to be Iissue’s cover highlights the long and ambitious ongoing project to modernise a key element in the greener, smarter, more efficient and safer road Nepalese civil aviation. The input of our airport and air navigation specialists will transport system of the future. undoubtedly contribute to improving air traffic flow and, as a result, the socio- economic prospects of a country with great development potential.
    [Show full text]
  • Legal Appendix an Overview of the Clean Air Act and State-Level Air Quality Regulation
    Legal Appendix An Overview of the Clean Air Act and State-Level Air Quality Regulation DOUGLAS QUIRKE SUMMER 2018 LEGAL APPENDIX FOR: Ecosystem Workforce Program Working Paper #86 and Public Lands Policy Group Practitioner Paper #2: Prescribed Fire Policy Barriers and Opportunities, A Diversity of Challenges and Strategies Across the West E cosystem Workforce PL Program PG Public Lands Policy Group About the authors Douglas Quirke is a Research Associate at the University of Oregon School of Law’s Environmental & Natural Resources Law Center. Acknowledgements Alyssa Bonini and Daniel Lawler, Fellows at the University of Oregon School of Law’s Environmental & Natural Resources Law Center, provided valuable assistance and research for the content of this legal review. This research was made possible with funding from the Joint Fire Science Program (#16-1-02-8). All photos are public domain from U.S. Forest Service and USDA Flickr sites. For more information about this report or this research, contact: Courtney Schultz Heidi Huber-Stearns Public Lands Policy Group Ecosystem Workforce Program Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Institute for a Sustainable Environment Colorado State Universit 5247 University of Oregon Fort Collins, CO 80523-1472 Eugene, OR 97403-5247-1472 [email protected] [email protected] sites.warnercnr.colostate.edu/ ewp.uoregon.edu courtneyschultz/ The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with
    [Show full text]
  • Navigating Fragmented Ocean Law in the California Current: Tools to Identify and Measure Gaps and Overlaps for Ecosystem-Based Management
    UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara Navigating Fragmented Ocean Law in the California Current: Tools to Identify and Measure Gaps and Overlaps for Ecosystem-Based Management A Dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Science by Julia Anne Ekstrom Committee in charge: Professor Oran R. Young, Chair Professor Steven Gaines Professor Susan Stonich Research Professor Paul A. Berkman Professor Bonnie J. McCay, Rutgers University June 2008 i 3319864 3319864 2008 The dissertation of Julia Anne Ekstrom is approved. ____________________________________________ Paul A. Berkman University of California, Santa Barbara ____________________________________________ Steven Gaines University of California, Santa Barbara ____________________________________________ Bonnie J. McCay Rutgers University ____________________________________________ Susan Stonich University of California, Santa Barbara ____________________________________________ Oran R. Young, Committee Chair University of California, Santa Barbara May 2008 ii Navigating Fragmented Ocean Law in the California Current: Tools to Identify and Measure Gaps and Overlaps for Ecosystem-Based Management Copyright © 2008 by Julia Anne Ekstrom iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am very grateful for receiving support from so many people and entities to produce this dissertation. First, in 2001 the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Marine Science was the only such program in the United States that provided a rigorous background in ocean sciences, but allowed students to design cross- disciplinary social science research projects. My experience in an interdisciplinary program taught me the value of communicating with people from all sorts of expertise and backgrounds to produce well-informed science. I appreciate the support of Alice Alldredge and Mark Brzezinski, the graduate program chairs, for their advice, continuous support, and accessibility.
    [Show full text]
  • Applicability of Clean Air Act Ambient Air Quality Regulations to the In-Situ Burning of Oils
    NRT Science and Technology Committee APPLICABILITY OF CLEAN AIR ACT AMBIENT AIR QUALITY REGULATIONS TO THE IN SITU BURNING OF OIL SPILLS November 1995 SUMMARY The in situ burning (ISB) of oil spills can greatly benefit the environment by limiting the extent of oil pollution. The smoke produced by ISB, however, may pose a significant threat to public health through its effect on air quality. This fact sheet provides an overview of National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) regulations under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and briefly discusses how such provisions may affect the use of ISB. These CAA regulations are implemented mainly by States and localities through State Implementation Plans (SIPs). The fact sheet therefore directs ISB planners to consult with State and local officials to identify and address regulatory concerns in their respective areas. A list of EPA Regional contacts is provided to help Regional planners get an overview of regulations in their Regions and identify relevant State and local contacts. BACKGROUND: THE CAA The CAA is the primary Federal air quality law. It is designed to protect and improve air quality through a variety of measures. The main program of significance for ISB planning is the establishment and enforcement of ambient air quality standards for certain pollutants, which is described below. The CAA also includes provisions to restrict emissions of hazardous air pollutants; prevent the degradation of atmospheric visibility (which may result temporarily from ISB); and control acid rain, noise pollution, and stratospheric ozone depletion. NAAQS Section 109 of the CAA provides for the protection of air quality (and the enhancement of air quality in polluted areas) by requiring EPA to set NAAQS for certain air pollutants.
    [Show full text]